Introducing Corey Smith

Boro’s newest signing Corey Smith took time out to chat to Elle Brunton about signing for Boro, settling in and the whole lot of snow which greeted him on his arrival!

Elle: So you’ve been here two weeks now, how are you settling in?

Corey: I’m settling in well but obviously it is a lot different on and off the pitch to back home.

“The futsal is a different style and a lot more direct, the weather is freezing at the moment also but the boys have been fantastic in helping me settle and have really made me feel welcome at the club from day one.

Elle: Aside from the weather, what’s been the biggest adjustment for you?

Corey: “It is a big change not knowing everyone here in the futsal community compared to back home where I was heavily involved for years. Slowly, I am gaining more contacts and with Damon's help I am sure things will be very successful over here.”

Elle: How does the standard of English futsal compare to that in Australia?

Corey: I think the quality of the top sides here is very high and very similar to our national titles, the difference in the league here is certainly the fact that England is much closer together and the capacity to play each other more regularly and create a national league is much more achievable than at home where we have to fly to tournaments to get good quality games.

Elle: You’ve had the chance to train with Boro and you watched the draw against Manchester from the stands, how would you rate your teammates?

Corey: I don't want to mention individuals but there are several players in our first team who I rate very highly.

“The game against Manchester was an eye opener as I actually thought that Middlesbrough were the much better side. Manchester relied heavily on Stuart Cook but didn't seem to have a lot of creative players other than him whereas Boro look to have several potential match winners in their side. The secret is putting that together.

Elle: Do you think the result reflected the game?

Corey: “I think in the end the result didn't mirror the match but it was certainly a good lesson for the team in terms of experience. I certainly saw a lot of positives from the game as there was a lot of improvement still left for us, as opposed to Manchester who I thought played close to their abilities.

Elle: Boro still have a game in hand on Manchester and are still on course to reclaim the title, providing they pick up points in their remaining games, do you think they’ve got what it takes to end the season as champions?

Corey: I hope so, that is why I joined the club! I think the potential is there but we have to work hard on the training ground and make sure we get more sessions and games together.

“The experience Manchester showed was the difference, they had the knowledge and trust in their teammates which can only come with playing together over time. I have no doubt we have the quality, so it all comes down to attitudes, learning and growing as a team.

“Hopefully we will bounce back strong after the Manchester game.

Elle: How aware of Middlesbrough Futsal Club were you before joining the club?

Corey: English futsal is not known widely in Australia but it is obviously a gateway for the rest of Europe.

“My reasons for moving are to play but also to set up links with my business back home.

“When looking at clubs I spoke to a few mangers and players and Damon and Boro seemed to be heading in a direction which was most suited to my ideas and expertise and therefore I chose to come to the North East.

“I want to learn from other cultures within futsal, give pathways to Australian kids in the future while hopefully also helping to grow the game over here.

“I want to help set up the junior side of the club including academies and tournaments along with Damon and also forge links back home. We have an Australian group heading over in April which will hopefully be the first of many.

Elle: Middlesbrough Football Club has had a number of Australian players over the years; did you follow Boro at all before you arrived?

Corey: “MFC are a very well known side in Australia due to those links with players such as Schwarzer, Viduka and more recently Rhys Williams amongst others all playing there so yeah that did make the area more recognisable to me.

“I had also heard a lot of good things about the North East from close family friends who were positive in terms of the cost of living and the people in this area.

Elle: You’ve played friendlies in training and played for Boro in the Catterick Handicap Cup last weekend, you must be raring to go and get some first team action?

Corey: To be honest I can't wait to get on the pitch against Tranmere! There is only so much training you can do without playing, and I came here to play so I can not wait. I enjoyed the games on Sunday and it was great to play alongside the guys in a fun environment where we could get used to playing together but it will not compare to making my first appearance in the National League.

Elle: Boro beat Tranmere in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but it was a narrow victory in the end, are you confident Boro can do the double over them on Sunday?

Corey: From what I have seen Tranmere are a very good side and we will have to be at our best to come out on top. The score will be irrelevant; it is about performance and ultimately coming out on top at the end of the match.

Elle: What can we expect from you on the pitch?

Corey: It is always hard to describe yourself as a player but I will hopefully add something to the squad and I am confident I can do that.

Elle: And if you score on Sunday, do you have an Aussie-themed goal celebration planned?

Corey: Yeah well the Red Faction, whose support is absolutely brilliant, have said that they may have a song for me, so I have thought about a celebration… but to be honest I think I will just go with whatever feels right at the time.

“Also scoring is not really the priority as a win will certainly be the focus, although scoring would be a bonus of course.

So there you have it folks, Boro’s new number 8 has left the sun, sea and sand of Tasmania for the snow, parmos and Transporter Bridge of Teesside and he’s loving every minute of it!

See Corey and the rest of the Boro boys in action this Sunday against Tranmere; kick-off 1.30pm at Thornaby Pavilion.